Rants, thoughts and comments from another Rick in Canada

Abrahamic Prayers

These are the prayers which were offered at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary on November 7, 2012. The service was planned and led by representatives of the three main Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and was entitled, “The Legacy of Abraham.”

These prayers concluded the service,and are shared here in the hope of God healing our broken relationships.

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We do not pray, we cannot pray, in complete unity. We do and can, however, pray as we are. Each of our prayers will end with the words, “Gracious and Merciful God.” You are invited to respond with, “Hear our prayer.”

[Brief pause]

God of Abraham, God who is God, you called Abraham to follow you, to be the father of many, to be a blessing to the world. Strengthen us to hear and respond to your call to us today. Gracious and merciful God, Hear our prayer.

God of Abraham, God who is God, the sons of Abraham struggled, yet you did not abandon them, and, in spite of their difficulties, they did not abandon each other. In the middle of the challenges we present to each other, show us your faithful presence, that we may walk with each other as well. Gracious and merciful God, Hear our prayer.

God of Abraham, God who is God, you have reached out to us, in our various traditions, through the stories of Abraham and his family. Enable each of us to share the gifts you have given us, even as we learn to acknowledge the gifts you have given others. Gracious and merciful God, Hear our prayer.

God of Abraham, God who is God, forgive us children of Abraham for our wars and our hatred, our stereotypes and our prejudices. Enable us to let go of our fears, break down what separates, and embrace what builds up. Gracious and merciful God, Hear our prayer.

God of Abraham, God who is God, raise up people of good will to bring your peace among the nations, your salaam between religious traditions, your shalom between us. Send us out from here as bearers of your peace, that the world may know you as God. Gracious and merciful God, Hear our prayer.